Kitchen Cabinet Installation

January 31st, 2026 | by Nick Kayser | Posted in

At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we provide professional kitchen cabinet installation throughout the East Valley, serving homeowners in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.

Cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen—they define the layout, determine storage capacity, and establish the visual style of the entire room. Whether you’re completing a full kitchen remodel or replacing outdated cabinets, professional installation ensures your new cabinets are level, secure, and built to perform flawlessly for decades.

We work with quality cabinet manufacturers like Sollid Cabinetry to provide durable, beautiful cabinets in a wide range of styles, finishes, and configurations. From stock cabinets to semi-custom options, we help you select the right cabinets for your needs and install them with precision craftsmanship.

As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760), we manage the complete cabinet installation process—from selection and ordering through installation and finishing details—ensuring everything is done right.

For comprehensive kitchen renovation information, visit our kitchen remodeling services page or our Kitchen FAQs.

Watch: Kitchen Cabinet Installation

See the precision and craftsmanship we bring to every cabinet installation:

Why Cabinet Installation Matters

Cabinets represent the largest investment in most kitchen remodels—and the quality of installation determines whether that investment pays off for years to come.

The Foundation of Your Kitchen

Cabinets do more than store dishes and food. They:

  • Define your kitchen’s layout and workflow
  • Determine available storage and organization options
  • Establish the visual style and character of the room
  • Support countertops, sinks, and appliances
  • Impact daily functionality and convenience

Poorly installed cabinets create problems that compound over time—doors that won’t close properly, drawers that stick, cabinets that pull away from walls, and countertops that don’t sit level.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Cabinet installation requires precision that’s difficult to achieve without experience:

  • Level and plumb: Cabinets must be perfectly level despite floors and walls that rarely are
  • Secure mounting: Upper cabinets must support significant weight safely
  • Proper spacing: Gaps between cabinets must be consistent throughout
  • Alignment: Doors and drawers must align across the entire run
  • Scribing: Cabinets must fit tight against irregular walls
  • Filler pieces: Custom cuts needed where cabinets meet walls or appliances

Professional installation ensures your cabinets look beautiful, function properly, and last for decades.

Cabinet Types and Options

We offer several cabinet options to match different needs, timelines, and budgets.

Stock Cabinets

Pre-manufactured cabinets in standard sizes, ready for quick delivery.

Advantages:

  • Most affordable option
  • Fastest availability (often 1-2 weeks)
  • Predictable quality and appearance
  • Good selection of standard sizes and styles
  • Ideal when timeline is priority

Considerations:

  • Limited size options (3-inch increments typical)
  • Fewer finish and style choices
  • May require more filler pieces for non-standard spaces
  • Limited interior options and accessories

Best For: Budget-conscious projects, rental properties, or when quick turnaround is needed.

Semi-Custom Cabinets

Cabinets built to order with customizable options while maintaining efficient production.

Advantages:

  • More size options (often 1-inch increments)
  • Wider selection of door styles, finishes, and colors
  • Interior customization (pull-outs, dividers, organizers)
  • Better fit for non-standard kitchen layouts
  • Higher quality construction than most stock options
  • Balance of customization and value

Considerations:

  • Longer lead time (4-8 weeks typical)
  • Higher cost than stock cabinets
  • Still some limitations on sizes and configurations

Best For: Most kitchen remodels where quality and customization matter but full custom isn’t necessary.

We work with Sollid Cabinetry for semi-custom cabinets—they offer excellent quality, extensive options, and reliable lead times.

Custom Cabinets

Cabinets built entirely to your specifications by a cabinet maker.

Advantages:

  • Unlimited size and configuration options
  • Any style, finish, or material available
  • Perfect fit for unusual spaces
  • Unique designs not available elsewhere
  • Highest quality materials and construction

Considerations:

  • Highest cost option
  • Longest lead time (8-16+ weeks)
  • Quality varies by cabinet maker
  • Changes difficult once production begins

Best For: High-end kitchens, unusual layouts, or when specific design requirements can’t be met with semi-custom options.

Cabinet Construction Quality

Not all cabinets are built the same. Understanding construction differences helps you make informed decisions.

Cabinet Box Construction

Plywood Box

  • Solid plywood sides, back, and bottom
  • Strongest and most durable option
  • Holds screws better over time
  • Resists moisture better than particleboard
  • Premium construction standard

Particleboard Box

  • Made from compressed wood particles
  • Common in budget cabinets
  • Can swell if exposed to moisture
  • Screws can strip out over time
  • Adequate for many applications but less durable

Our Recommendation: We recommend plywood box construction for durability, especially in areas near sinks or dishwashers where moisture exposure is common.

Door and Drawer Construction

Solid Wood

  • Traditional construction for painted or stained finishes
  • Can be refinished if damaged
  • Natural material with character
  • May expand/contract with humidity changes

MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard)

  • Engineered wood product
  • Very stable—won’t expand or contract
  • Smooth surface ideal for painted finishes
  • Cannot be refinished like solid wood
  • Good option for painted cabinet doors

Drawer Box Construction

Dovetail Drawer Boxes

  • Interlocking joints at corners
  • Strongest drawer construction
  • Sign of quality craftsmanship
  • Standard on quality cabinets

Stapled/Glued Drawer Boxes

  • Corners attached with staples and glue
  • Less durable than dovetail
  • Common in budget cabinets
  • May loosen over time with heavy use

Hardware and Features

Soft-Close Hinges and Drawer Slides

  • Doors and drawers close gently without slamming
  • Reduces wear and noise
  • Standard feature on quality cabinets
  • Can be added to existing cabinets during cabinet refacing

Full-Extension Drawer Slides

  • Drawers pull out completely for full access
  • Makes reaching items in back easy
  • Higher weight capacity than partial-extension
  • Recommended for all kitchen drawers

Adjustable Shelves

  • Shelves can be repositioned as needs change
  • Standard in most quality cabinets
  • Allows customization of interior storage

Cabinet Styles and Finishes

Door Styles

Shaker

  • Clean lines with recessed center panel
  • Most popular style—works with any design aesthetic
  • Timeless appeal that won’t date quickly
  • Available in painted or stained finishes

Flat Panel (Slab)

  • Completely flat door surface
  • Modern, contemporary appearance
  • Minimalist aesthetic
  • Easy to clean

Raised Panel

  • Center panel raised above frame
  • Traditional, classic appearance
  • More ornate than shaker
  • Best for traditional kitchen designs

Beadboard

  • Vertical grooves in door panel
  • Cottage, farmhouse, or coastal style
  • Adds texture and character

Cabinet Finishes

Painted Cabinets

  • Clean, uniform appearance
  • Available in any color
  • White and gray most popular
  • Can show wear over time at edges and corners
  • Touch-ups possible but may be visible

If you like your current cabinet boxes but want a fresh painted finish, consider cabinet painting as an alternative to full replacement.

Stained Cabinets

  • Natural wood grain visible
  • Warm, traditional character
  • Various stain colors from light to dark
  • Scratches and wear blend in better than painted
  • Timeless appeal

Two-Tone Cabinets

  • Different colors for upper and lower cabinets
  • Or different color for island
  • Adds visual interest and depth
  • Popular: white uppers with gray or navy island
  • Creates custom, designer look

Cabinet Heights and Configurations

Upper Cabinet Heights

30-Inch Uppers

  • Standard height for 8-foot ceilings
  • Leaves space above for décor or soffit
  • Most economical option

36-Inch Uppers

  • Additional storage capacity
  • Better proportions in most kitchens
  • Closer to ceiling, less dust accumulation above

42-Inch Uppers

  • Reaches to ceiling (with 8-foot ceilings)
  • Maximum storage capacity
  • No gap above cabinets to collect dust
  • Built-in, custom appearance

48-60-Inch Uppers

  • For 9-10 foot ceilings
  • Floor-to-ceiling storage
  • Dramatic visual impact
  • Available from Sollid Cabinetry up to 60 inches

We typically recommend going as tall as your ceiling allows for maximum storage and a built-in, custom appearance.

Base Cabinet Configurations

Standard Base Cabinets

  • Single door or door with drawer
  • Fixed or adjustable shelf inside
  • Most common configuration

Drawer Base Cabinets

  • All drawers, no doors
  • Easier access to contents
  • Popular for storing pots, pans, and utensils
  • Higher cost than door cabinets

Corner Cabinets

  • Blind corner: extends into corner, partial access
  • Lazy Susan: rotating shelves for full access

Specialty Cabinets

  • Pull-out trash/recycling
  • Spice pull-outs
  • Tray dividers
  • Appliance garages
  • Wine storage

The Cabinet Installation Process

Design and Selection

Every cabinet project begins with understanding your needs:

Initial Consultation

  • Assess current kitchen layout and cabinets
  • Discuss your goals, style preferences, and must-have features
  • Review budget parameters
  • Take detailed measurements
  • Discuss timeline expectations

Design Development

  • Create cabinet layout optimized for your space
  • Select door style, finish, and color
  • Choose interior accessories and upgrades
  • Specify cabinet heights and configurations
  • Coordinate with countertop and backsplash plans

Ordering

  • Finalize all specifications
  • Place order with cabinet manufacturer
  • Confirm lead time (typically 4-8 weeks for semi-custom)
  • Schedule installation date

Preparation

Before installation day:

Kitchen Preparation

  • Empty all existing cabinets
  • Clear countertops
  • Remove items from walls
  • Ensure access path for delivery

Our Preparation

  • Verify all cabinets received and inspect for damage
  • Confirm measurements match order
  • Stage cabinets for efficient installation
  • Prepare installation tools and materials

Demolition

Removing existing cabinets:

  • Disconnect plumbing (sink, dishwasher, ice maker)
  • Disconnect electrical if needed
  • Remove countertops
  • Remove upper cabinets first, then base cabinets
  • Remove old backsplash if being replaced
  • Inspect walls for damage or issues
  • Repair walls as needed before new installation
  • Dispose of all demolition debris

Cabinet Installation

Installing new cabinets with precision:

Establishing Level Reference

  • Find highest point of floor
  • Establish level line around entire kitchen
  • Mark stud locations for secure mounting
  • This reference ensures all cabinets align perfectly

Upper Cabinet Installation

We typically install upper cabinets first:

  • Start with corner cabinet or end cabinet
  • Secure to wall studs with cabinet screws
  • Level and plumb each cabinet
  • Join adjacent cabinets with cabinet screws
  • Ensure consistent spacing and alignment
  • Continue across entire run

Base Cabinet Installation

  • Start with corner cabinet or sink base
  • Shim to level (floors are rarely perfectly flat)
  • Secure to wall at stud locations
  • Join adjacent cabinets
  • Install fillers where cabinets meet walls
  • Scribe fillers to fit irregular walls

Island Installation (If Applicable)

  • Position island per design plan
  • Secure to floor
  • Level and join all island cabinets
  • Coordinate with electrical for outlets

Finishing Details

Door and Drawer Installation

  • Install all doors and drawer fronts
  • Adjust hinges for perfect alignment
  • Adjust drawer slides for smooth operation
  • Ensure consistent gaps between doors

Hardware Installation

  • Install pulls, knobs, or handles
  • Use template for consistent placement
  • Verify all hardware is secure

Trim and Molding

  • Install crown molding if specified
  • Install light rail molding under upper cabinets
  • Install toe kick boards
  • Fill any gaps with matching trim

Timeline for Cabinet Installation

Cabinet Installation Within Kitchen Remodel

Week 1-2: Design and Selection

  • Consultation and measurements
  • Design development
  • Cabinet selection and ordering

Week 3-8: Cabinet Fabrication

  • Cabinets manufactured (4-6 weeks typical for semi-custom)
  • Other project planning continues

Week 9: Demolition

  • Remove existing cabinets and countertops
  • Make any plumbing or electrical modifications
  • Repair walls as needed

Week 10: Cabinet Installation

  • Install all upper cabinets
  • Install all base cabinets
  • Install island cabinets
  • Adjust doors and drawers
  • Install hardware and trim

Week 11-14: Complete Kitchen

  • Countertop template and fabrication
  • Countertop installation
  • Backsplash installation
  • Plumbing and electrical connections
  • Final details

Total: 10-14 weeks from design to completion

For complete kitchen remodeling timelines, visit our Kitchen FAQs page.

Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Installation

Cabinet costs vary significantly based on quality, style, and kitchen size.

Cabinet Price Ranges (Materials Only)

  • Stock cabinets: $75-$200 per linear foot
  • Semi-custom cabinets: $150-$400 per linear foot
  • Custom cabinets: $500-$1,200+ per linear foot

Total Cabinet Project Costs (Installed)

Most East Valley kitchen cabinet installations range from:

  • Small kitchen (10-15 linear feet): $8,000-$15,000
  • Average kitchen (15-25 linear feet): $15,000-$30,000
  • Large kitchen with island (25-35 linear feet): $25,000-$50,000+

Cost Factors

  • Cabinet quality: Stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom
  • Box construction: Plywood vs. particleboard
  • Door style: Simple shaker vs. ornate raised panel
  • Finish: Painted vs. stained
  • Interior accessories: Pull-outs, dividers, organizers
  • Cabinet height: Taller cabinets cost more
  • Kitchen layout: More corners and angles = more complexity

Cabinet Alternatives

If new cabinets exceed your budget, consider:

During consultation, we help you determine the best approach for your goals and budget.

Cabinets with Countertops and Backsplash

Cabinet installation is typically part of a larger kitchen update. Here’s how the pieces work together:

The Right Sequence

  1. Cabinets first: Must be installed before countertops can be templated
  2. Countertop template: Precise measurements taken after cabinets are installed
  3. Countertop fabrication: 5-10 business days
  4. Countertop installation: After fabrication complete
  5. Backsplash last: Installed after countertops are in place

Coordinating Selections

Your cabinets, countertops, and backsplash should complement each other:

  • White cabinets: Work with virtually any countertop and backsplash
  • Dark cabinets: Pair with lighter countertops for contrast
  • Busy countertops: Keep backsplash simple
  • Simple countertops: Opportunity for dramatic backsplash

For countertop options, visit our kitchen countertop installation page.

For backsplash options, visit our tile backsplash installation page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Cabinet Installation

How long does cabinet installation take?

Cabinet installation typically takes 2-5 days depending on kitchen size and complexity. However, the complete timeline from design through installation is 10-14 weeks due to cabinet manufacturing lead times (4-8 weeks for semi-custom cabinets).

Can you install cabinets without replacing countertops?

It’s possible but not recommended. Countertops are templated to fit existing cabinets precisely. New cabinets will have different dimensions, and old countertops won’t fit properly. In most cases, cabinet replacement includes new countertops.

How long do kitchen cabinets last?

Quality cabinets with plywood construction and solid hardware can last 30-50+ years. Lower-quality cabinets may show significant wear in 10-20 years. Proper installation is critical—even quality cabinets will fail if installed poorly.

Should I get 36-inch or 42-inch upper cabinets?

We generally recommend the tallest cabinets your ceiling allows. For 8-foot ceilings, 42-inch uppers reach the ceiling, eliminating the dust-collecting gap above and maximizing storage. For 9-foot ceilings, 42-inch uppers with crown molding or 48-inch uppers work well.

What’s the difference between framed and frameless cabinets?

Framed cabinets have a face frame (wood border) on the front of the cabinet box. Frameless (European-style) cabinets have no face frame—doors attach directly to the box. Frameless offers slightly more interior space and a more modern appearance. Both are quality options.

Do you remove and dispose of old cabinets?

Yes. Our cabinet installation service includes complete removal and disposal of existing cabinets, countertops, and backsplash as needed. Everything is included in our estimate.

Can I keep my existing cabinet layout?

Yes. Many homeowners replace cabinets while keeping the same basic layout. This can reduce costs by avoiding plumbing and electrical relocations. However, if your layout doesn’t work well, a remodel is an opportunity to improve it.

What cabinet brand do you use?

We work primarily with Sollid Cabinetry for semi-custom cabinets. They offer excellent quality, extensive options, and reliable lead times. We can also work with other manufacturers if you have specific preferences.

What areas do you service?

We provide cabinet installation throughout the Phoenix East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.

How much do new kitchen cabinets cost?

Costs vary widely based on quality and kitchen size. Most cabinet projects range from $15,000-$50,000+ installed. Semi-custom cabinets from quality manufacturers like Sollid typically fall in the middle of this range. We provide detailed estimates during consultation.

Why Choose Mustache Approved for Cabinet Installation

Licensed General Contractor (ROC #309760)

As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, we manage your complete cabinet project—from design and ordering through installation and finishing details. One contractor, complete accountability.

Quality Cabinet Partners

We work with established manufacturers like Sollid Cabinetry who deliver consistent quality, extensive options, and reliable lead times. Your cabinets are built to last.

Complete Kitchen Expertise

We understand how cabinets integrate with the complete kitchen. Whether you’re installing cabinets as part of a full kitchen remodel or updating cabinets only, we ensure everything coordinates beautifully.

Precision Installation

We install cabinets with meticulous attention to level, plumb, and alignment. Doors line up, drawers glide smoothly, and everything looks and functions as it should.

Full Range of Cabinet Services

Whether you need complete cabinet replacement, cabinet refacing, or cabinet painting, we offer the right solution for your goals and budget.

Proven Process

Our 6-step remodeling process ensures clear communication, quality execution, and no surprises from consultation through completion.

Transparent Pricing

We provide detailed written estimates covering all work, materials, and timeline. No hidden fees or surprise charges.

Serving the East Valley

We proudly provide kitchen cabinet installation throughout the East Valley:

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen with New Cabinets?

Whether you’re planning new cabinet installation as part of a complete kitchen remodel or exploring your cabinet options, contact Mustache Approved Remodeling to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your kitchen, discuss your goals and options, review your budget, and provide a clear plan for your project.

Additional Resources:

Mustache Approved Remodeling
ROC #309760 | Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale & Ahwatukee